The Philippine SVD Brothers Assembly took place last June 29–July 1, 2023, at the Divine Word College Laoag, Laoag City. The theme of the assembly was "SVD Brothers: Journeying Together in Confronting and Responding to the Challenges of a Wounded World."
The assembly started with the opening address of Fr. Romeo Fajardo, SVD, the Provincial Superior of the SVD Philippine Northern Province, whose encouragement and challenges awakened the Brother participants. Then, a half-day recollection was facilitated by Fr. Ross Heruela, SVD, who focused on the theme of the assembly. In the afternoon, Br. Douglas Simonetti, SVD, the Generalate Assistant Secretary for Brothers' Formation and Education of the Society of the Divine Word, joined the group via Zoom as he shared his vocational journey, and updates of the Society, especially on Brotherhood. He also explained the importance of the SVD Ratio Formationis Generalis. The assembly also celebrated 50 years of the Religious Profession of Vows of Br. Eugenio Orog, SVD, who shared his journey as an SVD Brother. The next day, the group traveled to visit Br. Valentin Gruener, SVD, who is a resident at the SVD District House, Bangued, Abra. He was delighted to see everyone and warmly welcomed the Brothers. The assembly finished with all the participants returning to their Provinces full of vigor and hope. We continue to pray for more vocations to the Religious Brotherhood.